I couldn't quite work out what I wanted to do for a baby shower. I knew a traditional shower with games wasn't really for me. There was brief talk about an all girls poker afternoon or an afternoon by the pool at one of the hotels (the average temperature in February in Alice Springs is 35 degrees Celcius). Nick loves a party & it didn't seem fair that he should miss out on all the shower fun. In the end we settled for an event that Nick could be part of too, a pre-baby BBQ. The last chance to have all our friends over without having to take care of a baby. Just food, booze & fun.

Our friend Noosh came up with these awesome invitations with the most minimal, vague, instructions from me - 'could you please make us an invite to a non-baby shower that blokes are invited to'. I love the concept and the colours came from the monkey we've bought the baby.The DecorationsI made the flag bunting. String lights were leftovers from our wedding and the white flowers came from Coles.

The Food

The food was a group effort. Nick's mum made artichoke dip & his uncle made baba ganoush. Nick's aunt made a potato salad. My friend bought a green salad. My mum & I made a chickpea and parsley salad, as well as a beetroot, spinach & fetta salad. Noosh, who had already put in a bonza effort with the invites, made a delicious chocolate cake.

The Drinks

Drink of choice for most of the ladies was mineral water with fresh mint and lime (leaving me with all the champagne we'd bought for when I can get back on the booze!). The boys preferred beer. A great night was had by all.